1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 1961 Fiat 500 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta weights approximately 133 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Fiat |
| Model | Zeta | 500 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 1950 mm |
